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Merit Badge Awardees - Woo-hoo Sisters!:  Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees |
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 25 2017 : 5:27:20 PM
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Peggy Smith (Forever Young, #1815) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning an Expert Level Canning Merit Badge!
I made and pressure canned 20 pints of black beans and 14 quarts of bean and bacon soup. I gave my son and family some of the black beans and all of the soup. I told them about the recipes. They especially love the soup.
For the black beans, I added my own seasonings for an added flavor. They are good in salads, a side or many other dishes. The bean and bacon soup is an Amish recipe full of vegetables and flavor. It's a really healthy soup.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2017 : 4:22:00 PM
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Jacey Titus (OnceUponaFarm, #7468) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Level Buttoned Up Merit Badge!
I gathered 150 buttons to begin my button collection. I found a nice little jar to keep them in as well.
It turned out great! I added the word "Buttons" to The very cute little jar with puff paint.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2017 : 4:37:03 PM
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Jacey Titus (OnceUponaFarm, #7468) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Level Aprons Merit Badge!
I made a half apron for a home sick friend. It is on its way to her. I have also made one for myself and wear it every time I am cooking or baking.
The first attempt turned out great. I need to fix the tension on my sewing machine but that is all. I may adjust the pattern and make some for my little kitchen helpers.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2017 : 4:54:10 PM
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Teresa Roberson (carolinacateyes, #7386) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning a Beginner Level Food Allergy Awareness Merit Badge!
I work for Student Nutrition in my local school district as an Administrative Financial Specialist but am still required to take continuing education classes. Managing food allergies was a topic I wanted to learn more about because of the students with food allergies, how each is accommodated within the school setting, and the legal requirements needed by the school district to make those accommodations. I've attached my certificate. One of my exercises was to review those students' requirements and the avoidance of certain foods and then to recommend alternative foods. I also had to make a plan for storing the alternative foods and steps to avoid cross contact in preparation and delivery.
This was an eye-opening course! I knew very little about this subject; I only knew of one family whose children had a true food allergy to gluten. As more and more children are diagnosed with food allergies, this is a subject that requires awareness. After all, it's all in the planning to keep everyone safe!
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2017 : 5:01:12 PM
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Teresa Roberson (carolinacateyes, #7386) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Level Rootin' Tootin Merit Badge!
Five different root vegetables that grow in my area:
1. Carrots
2. Beets
3. Radishes
4. Peanuts
5. Sweet potatoes
I visited the produce section of my grocery store and found all the root vegetables for sale. The organic carrots, organic radishes, and peanuts are grown locally within fifty miles; beets and sweet potatoes are grown in North Carolina.
I am fortunate to live in a climate that produces most root produce; the beets and sweet potatoes are grown locally and are available at my local grocers. I prefer to go to the local farmers market where everything is locally grown and fresh! This exercise certainly makes one aware of where their food comes from and how far some of it is shipped!
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2017 : 5:17:27 PM
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Teresa Roberson (carolinacateyes, #7386) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Level Putting Away for Winter Merit Badge!
I love to freeze produce using my vacuum seal machine! The shelled butterbeans were bought from a local farmer at the Farmers Market. After washing the beans thoroughly, I measured out a quart at a time, poured them into the vacuum safe bags, added cubes of ham, and vacuum-packed each bag. If I have butterbeans left over from a meal, I will simply vacuum pack and freeze the leftovers! Peaches are my favorite produce to freeze because after thawing, the peaches taste just as fresh as they did when put in the freezer. I traveled to a local peach orchard to purchase baskets of peaches this summer. I washed, peeled, and sliced each peach, then measured out pints, quarts and gallons for freezing. (I also used the peelings to render peach juice for jellies; more on that later). Fresh corn-on-the-cob from my garden is in the freezer ready to be eaten during the winter months. I simply shucked and cleaned each ear of corn, heated ears in the microwave, then plunged them into ice water. Each ear was then air dried,and vacuum-packed 4-6 ears per bag. Some of the bags, I added butter on top of each cob. The bags are now ready to dunk into a boiling pot of water for a few minutes and then serve.
I don't have a computer at home right now so I am unable to chat with the Farmgirls, so my girls group will have to do for now! I get together periodically with my girlfriends; we are trying to create a local Farmgirl Chapter. Three of us got together on Labor Day for a cookout. Each of us brought a dish made with ingredients out of our own gardens and talked about freezing our produce. The other two ladies discussed how they blanch, then cool down, cellophane wrap those ears of corn, put in a ziplock plastic bag, and hope for the best! After sharing my knowledge of vacuum-packing and freezing for optimum flavor and consistency, I believe I have convinced them both to purchase a food saver vacuum machine. I opened my freezer to show them my gallon bags of peaches left over from 2016, still just as beautiful as the day they were put in there! After our discussion and show 'n tell, we sat on the deck to eat our fill of our summer bounty. I furnished corn-on-the-cob and homemade peach ice cream. The other two ladies left with a pint-size frozen bag of peaches. We have penciled in a trip to Gaffney, SC early next summer for fresh peaches!
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2017 : 5:23:29 PM
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Teresa Roberson (carolinacateyes, #7386) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Level Gaining Ground Merit Badge!
I started my compost heap in earnest in mid-July. I cleared out a small section near the wooded area of my yard. It is away from the house but close enough to easily work it. I save all kitchen scraps (no meat) for the heap. I also rake and add grass cuttings, although most mulched grass is left on the ground to fertilize the yard. Small rotting branches, leaves, gum tree balls, small pinecones, straw, old hay, shredded paper from work, and cold ashes from my burn pile, have been added. I make sure the pile is watered weekly. As the pile compacts, I turn the pile with a pitchfork, water, and continuously add to the heap. I look forward to using the end results in my garden next year.
I bought Worms Eat My Garbage by Mary Appelhof and have read it, some parts twice! I would love to create a worm bed, and that is one of my projects on my bucket list. I dont want this worm container/bed in my house so I have to research the best location for easy access and a way to keep the worms from freezing, perhaps in the green house I plan to build. I live near the Edisto River so maybe I will start a small bait business when I retire in June 2018!
As always, I learn so much during these projects. The information in Mary Appelhofs book will become essential for a small bait business. The worm castings and the compost will be utilized in my greenhouse to help fertilize the organic vegetables.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2017 : 5:31:29 PM
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Teresa Roberson (carolinacateyes, #7386) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning a Beginner Level Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge!
What better time to make a plan with my family on how to respond to a likely emergency! Hurricane Irma breezed through awhile ago in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Thankfully we received only a lot of rain and some flooding, trees down because of the water and tropical storm force winds, along with some power outages. In this region of the eastern seaboard, hurricanes are a constant threat and one must be prepared in case of severe weather.
My family plan: My son and his family will come to my brick house to weather the storm. I have several power backups to run the freezer, refrigerator, charge phones, and power lamps. I have a propane camp stove to cook on the back porch in a safe area. Flashlights and lanterns are supplied in each room of the house; drinking water for everyone is on hand. Rainwater is collected to flush toilets. Animal crates go either on the back porch or laundry room. Tarps are available if needed. The car is full of gas and cash money is on hand. Ill discuss my emergency kit in the Intermediate Level. The same prep is utilized during ice storms that reek hazard for our area as well.
I also have a plan for fire. Important documents, heirloom jewelry, and money are housed in the bank box for safekeeping. I have a suitcase that holds pictures, baby books, etc. that can be grabbed and thrown out of a window. I have several exits to choose from, and once out of the house, I go to the fire department next door to wait for my friend and our dog. My car keys with remote along with my glasses, cell phone remain in my purse; a flashlight, and my shoes are at my bedside ready for escape. The most important thing is the smoke detectors throughout my house that will alarm us to escape.
South Carolina experienced a thousand year flood in 2015 with no flooding in my area of SC. I dont think I have to plan for a flood at this time! Nevertheless, I do have a supply of sand bags just in case.
I do not do well with scurrying for supplies at the last minute! Enough said. Once you live through a hurricane of any category, you learn to BE PREPARED! I have a check list on my refrigerator at all times.
I did my regular grocery shopping during the height of "Irma's frenzy" and realized how lucky I am to have a plan and supplies far in advance of hurricane season.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2017 : 5:37:48 PM
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Teresa Roberson (carolinacateyes, #7386) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning an Intermediate Level Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge!
My 72-hour emergency kit is ready! Around Mothers Day in May each year, I check and replenish my supply of 96-16 oz.bottles of water, non-perishable foods, dog food and supplies, medications, the first aid kit, fresh batteries, and all the other items on my list. The dog crate is cleaned and prepared in case of evacuation. The fire extinguisher is checked by the fire department next door. This year, I added several items on the Are You Ready! list: a rechargeable battery-powered weather radio; a medicine dropper to dilute household chlorine bleach in water, matches in a waterproof container, and a whistle to call for help.
I called my insurance agent to check my homeowners coverage in May; it is best to do this before hurricane season. My list came from the FEMA website http://www.ready.gov and a kids list is also there so the kids can help with preparation. Another website, www.weather.gov/hurricansafety provides a detailed brochure all about hurricanes and how to stay safe even when evacuated.
Laurens Hope website offers a free downloadable emergency information card. Because of a health condition, I wear a beautiful medical bracelet at all times; it never comes off. I also carry an information card in my wallet, in the glove compartment of my car, and in my desk drawer at work. I have printed and given the cards to several family members who also have health issues, and requested the card be filled out and placed in their wallets. I tell them about a friend of mine who was pulled over for erratic driving and nearly arrested before the officer realized there was a medical issue. He was eventually transported to the local hospital but still had no emergency contact or other information available. All of the chaos could have been avoided if he had worn a medical bracelet or carried an emergency information card. Life lesson learned: Be prepared!
Being prepared eases my mind! Having a checklist on the refrigerator reminds me when items are needed. The brochure makes me conscious of having a safe place for everything outside so things don't become possible projectiles. Once a Girl Scout Leader always a Girl Scout Leader! I've given out several checklists and brochures this year and sent emails with the above websites to my friends and family. Living in an area prone to hurricanes and ice storms, we need to be prepared for any disaster!
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2017 : 5:45:19 PM
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Teresa Roberson (carolinacateyes, #7386) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning an Intermediate Level Shopping Green Merit Badge!
I look at packaging when I buy meats, vegetables, and drinks. Those Styrofoam type bottom most grocery stores use can be recycled at my nearby Publix Grocery Store. I also wash, disinfect with chlorine bleach, and reuse when vacuum-packing items for the freezer. Fresh vegetables are always bought loose, not prepackaged, because its cheaper that way and the plastic bag can be recycled. I dont buy carbonated drinks or juices in plastic bottles often but when I do, the bottle is always recycled.
I have gotten so many ideas for making my own cleaning products from the May 2016 Sisters Newsletter. I especially like the Super Surface Spray for kitchen cleaning. I use it almost every day. The Fab-Breeze Spray is the next project on my list, just need to go to the liquor store for the unflavored vodka! (And yes, I have now made this as well).
Toxic cleaners have been out of my house for years. I have asthma which is made worse by aerosol sprays and toxic cleaners. I committed to using Mrs. Meyers products, made with 98% natural ingredients. I have recently tried Seventh Generation products with good results, but Mrs. Meyers Geranium scent cleaners remain my favorite product line for now.
When I completed this exercise for the merit badge in early June, I thought I would look into essential oils for health benefits, maybe make my own cleaners occasionally, try making my own laundry detergent...you get the idea. Now I find myself always researching new things to make such as an anti-itch spray for my dog! I plan to make homemade products for family and friends for Christmas! When I get a new sisters' chapter up and running, samples will be given out to everyone at the first official meeting! Again, I thank Mary Jane and staff for giving me a new lease on life, a new purpose with new ideas to share.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2017 : 5:52:51 PM
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Teresa Roberson (carolinacateyes, #7386) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning an Expert Level Recycling Merit Badge!
My recycling system at home runs like a well-oiled machine! I have been successfully recycling at home for months now. In late July, I enlisted my granddaughter, age 12, to recycle. She has recently moved from the city, back out to the country where there is no garbage pickup but a recycling/garbage convenience center is nearby. We set up four cardboard boxes on the back porch; one for newspapers, one for plastics, one for aluminum cans, and one for rinsed metal cans. Rachel also recycles plastic shopping bags to return to Walmart. No, I still cant convince her to use fabric bags! I periodically visit and cant help but see her progress; she tends to hyper-focus on things that interest her. She has even decorated a couple of her boxes! She also has recruited her aunt, maternal grandmother, and maternal great grandmother to recycle as well. Occasionally, her dad will drop off a bag of glass items at my work location for me to recycle at my convenience center. I also collect the shredded paper and the cardboard boxes from work to recycle just down the street from my office.
As I travel from school kitchen to school kitchen in my county, I see so many items that could be recycled if anyone cared to listen and act responsible. When I retire next year, I think this will be my mission. My school district needs to set the example by recycling instead of collecting garbage for a landfill. At least Rachel is on the right track, and she has others doing the same. She talks about recycling with her friends and teachers at the middle school. Hopefully the young generation will get on board to save this planet one metal can, one plastic bottle, one plastic bag, one cardboard box at a time.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2017 : 5:58:04 PM
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Teresa Roberson (carolinacateyes, #7386) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning an Expert Level Birds Merit Badge!
I traveled to the prairie of Camas County, Idaho during the summer. What a bird lovers paradise! We drove out to the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area on a bird watching expedition. It was there I spotted a strikingly beautiful blackbird with a yellow head. My five-year old granddaughter, Laura, told me it was a Yellow-headed Blackbird. After reviewing my Birds of Idaho Field Guide, she was correct! I saw American Coots with their babies following behind the mother. Black-Billed Magpie were perched on the trees and fence post; Spotted Sandpiper and Willets walked along the edges of the marsh. Gulls flew overhead. Bluebird houses are built on poles so I was able to see Mountain Bluebirds. In the fields of cut alfalfa along the way and back, pairs of Ravens, and a flock of Red-Winged Blackbirds stood near the roadside and in the fields. Sandhill Cranes walked in another field as well. The creek held a Blue-Winged Teal with her babies swimming behind her and American Goldfinch were lined up on the fence wire and nearby brush. The best bird-watching adventure was with my little granddaughter as Laura shares her love of birds with me. The day I arrived in Fairfield, she had to show me the American Robin nest on the side porch railing; it held 3 blue eggs, then the 4th was laid the next day. We watched the Momma bird fly back and forth periodically but after two weeks, no hatchlings appeared. Laura also showed me another nest that held two Mourning Dove babies. The parents fed on the seeds near the graveled lane, and we greatly enjoyed the cooing sounds. Unfortunately, one of the babies fell from the nest and perished but the other one learned to fly and left the nest safely. Western Kingbird nested just below my bedroom window. I watched the parents feed the fledglings every day, watched as three flew the nest to the nearby trees, then listened as the fourth one was fed but refused to leave the nest. Early one morning as I stood at the window, I was shocked to see one of the parents literally knock the baby out of the nest. I thought the little one would hit the ground, but it swooped up to the nearby tree branch. The parents continued to perch on the roof, looking for insects. Laura reports to me that the young birds line up on the porch railing near the kitchen window, fly out to catch insects, and then return to the railing to eat. Then there were the hawks I watched every day. It took some research to find out the name of the hawks that flew gracefully so low to the ground. Northern Harrier reside on this Idaho homestead. Brewers Blackbirds and the occasional Cowbird also called this area home.
My trip to Fairfield, Idaho was a dream come true this past summer. I can hardly wait to return in May in time to see the Camas Lilies and the wildlife.
I learned so much about the birds of Idaho, and I am constantly studying the field guide to become more familiar with the birds identification. In all my years, the dove nest was a first for me and the Robin's nest is made differently in SC! Laura and I plan to visit other locations along the bird trails next summer. I am so excited to share my love of birds with my grandchild.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2017 : 4:17:39 PM
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Shari Doty (Sharikrsna, #607) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Level Tatting Merit Badge!
I ordered needles, and using my stitching room book, learned needle tatting. I had already been shuttle tatting. I have already made six ornaments, a collar, a hatband, and edging for a baby carrier I sewed for my neighbor. One heart shaped ornament was a pattern from 1917!
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2017 : 4:18:54 PM
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Shari Doty (Sharikrsna, #607) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Level Tatting Merit Badge!
Once I learned to tat I tried a 1917 heart pattern. I also added edging to a baby carrier I made.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2017 : 11:54:08 AM
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Kimberly Nelson (kmnelson77, #3492) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning a Beginner Level Shopping Green Merit Badge!
For this merit badge I had to acquire some reusable shopping bags. I've been using reusable bags for quite some time, but many of my bags needed replacing, so I picked up a few new ones so I had at least six. I also used a reusable bag I already had to hold all of my reusable bags and placed them in the bin in my car, so they are always with me on grocery shopping day.
Having the new bags has worked well. They are stiffer and stand up better for the person bagging my groceries. Having them all in one bag is easy to grab and having them in the car definitely helps to have them when you need them. No more, I forgot my bags at home!
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MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2017 : 11:59:43 AM
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Kimberly Nelson (kmnelson77, #3492) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning a Beginner Level Recycling Merit Badge!
Here in Baltimore County in Maryland, we have a great single stream curbside recycling program. You can request a brochure that has a multiple year calendar for the collection schedule, as well as information about what is accepted and what is not. For example, in our area most paper & cardboard, metal & glass, and plastic with #1-7 are accepted. Some items that are not accepted are plastic bags, styrofoam, clam shell plastics, light bulbs and paper/cardboard covered by food. Our recycling program also alternates weeks to do yard waste pick up, where they will pick up bagged items including grass, leaves, vines, twigs, branches/limbs and shrubbery trimmings. We are fortunate that we live within a 5 minute drive to our county's landfill and recycling center. There we are able to recycle items that might not be picked up with our regular recycling. At the county's recycling site we have recycled motor oil, old paint, car tires, car batteries, scrap metal, and old computer monitors.
We have been utilizing our county's recycling program for at least the past 20 years. It has made some improvements over that time and has become easier for folks to participate. The brochure we have hangs on our refrigerator and I check it frequently to be reminded of our collection schedule. Working on this badge has allowed me to refresh my memory of what items get picked up vs items that do not at curbside recycling, and what recycling services are available at our landfill/recycling site.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2017 : 12:05:28 PM
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Kimberly Calvert (KimmyC, #7479) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning a Beginner Level Canning Merit Badge!
I researched the different types of canning using two different canning cookbooks.
I searched my pantry for different types of canned items. Based upon what I learned, I determined that two items could have been water bath canned (mincemeat pie filling and crushed tomatoes) while the other would have needed to be pressure canned due to lower Ph (butter chicken sauce).
I am getting curious about trying to make my own tomato sauce. I've never done that before.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2017 : 12:15:41 PM
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Kimberly Calvert (KimmyC, #7479) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning an Intermediate Level Canning Merit Badge!
I canned two different recipes using the water bath canning method:
Applesauce
Blackberry Jam (seedless)
I have shared the blackberry jam with a friend and included the recipe--a super simple one with honey.
The applesauce had a beautiful pale pink color. That was a surprise to me as it doesn't look that way in the store. I had never made applesauce before. It tastes wonderful!
The blackberries were surprisingly sweet so I didn't end up needing too much honey. There are still a few wayward seeds, but not many. I was also surprised at how much volume was lost by taking out the majority of the seeds - wow! The jam tastes wonderful. Not too sweet.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2017 : 12:21:48 PM
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Kimberly Calvert (KimmyC, #7479) has received a certificate of achievement in Outpost for earning a Beginner Level Pampered Pets Merit Badge!
I found a new veterinarian who embraces a more holistic approach to pet care. Our dog food was a prescription diet that had corn and chemicals in it. Our new veterinarian recommended a higher quality food, negating the need for the prescription dog food. We scheduled a follow-up appointment for my dog that required the prescription diet food to make sure that there was no regression.
Success! My oldest dog no longer needs the prescription diet dog food (which had corn and chemicals in it.) His coat is starting to show improvement and his follow up appointment was good.
Our two other dogs have been put on this food as well and we really can see a difference. Wow!
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2017 : 12:26:29 PM
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Kimberly Calvert (KimmyC, #7479) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Level Sew Wonderful Merit Badge!
I put together a travel sewing kit with straight pins, safety pins, needles, scissors, buttons, five spools of thread including one heavyweight. I also put a small retractable tape measure in there for the project that I plan to work on once we hit the road. I also put wide Velcro, reflective tape, and wonder clips. I made a bright, cheerful owl pincushion that was small enough to fit inside. I stuffed her belly with crushed walnut shells as I read that it would help keep the pins sharp. Walnut shells are super dusty! I will do the stuffing outside next time.
As much as I love mason jars, I needed a non-breakable container to take in our RV. I reused a bulk foods container, which is perfect! It's transparent so that I can see what's inside (and so that my little owl can see outside. heh!) It feels pretty sturdy and the lid will stay put, keeping my contents secure when we hit the bumpy roads.
I will be modifying dog coats for our three dogs while we're en-route so this sewing kit was just the thing that I needed. What a great idea! Thank you for the inspiration.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2017 : 12:31:26 PM
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Ann Gee (#7351) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert Levels for the Sew Wonderful Merit Badge!
I went thru the 3 steps, Beginner through Expert. On the lst step I took all of my supplies out of a plastic bag and put them into a nice sewing basket.
The second challenge I went online and found stitches and copied them onto fabric. Even though I've been a hand-sewer for many years I found these to be very interesting.
For the 3rd, I made the the carry-all tote, and it came out very nice, may have to keep it and make more for gifts. Made the chicken potholder for my niece who raises chickens.
I was very satisfied the way everything turned out. I took a denim shirt and appliqued several fabric animal designs on it plus my Sisterhood badge and some buttons.
My new sewing basket is much nicer to take to classes and to be able to find things more easily.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2017 : 12:46:51 PM
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Sherrilyn Askew (Sherri, #1350) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning a Beginner Level for the Canning Merit Badge!
I researched the different types of canning available and how ph and heat related to each method. For home canning, the approved methods are water bath and pressure. Water bath is for high acid {4.6 ph or lower} foods such as fruit and pickles, and pressure canning is for or low acid foods such as vegetables, meat, and dairy.
I found 3 different jars of canned goods in my home, read the ingredients list, and from the packaging type and product inside, determined how each product was canned. The items in question were tomato sauce (water bath), pumpkin (pressure canned), and pickles (water bath).
There are a lot of methods for preserving food, some of which are very questionable in their ability to safely preserve. Reading about the canning (literally) process in which food was put into cans was rather fascinating.
Modern tomatoes have had a lot of the acidity engineered out of them, so unless you are using an antique variety, it would be safest to pressure can them.
Did you know Amanda Theodosia Jones (October 19, 1835 March 31, 1914) was an American author and inventor, most noted for inventing a vacuum method of canning called the Jones Process (Wikipedia knows everything).
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2017 : 12:48:40 PM
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Sherrilyn Askew (Sherri, #1350) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning an Intermediate Level Canning Merit Badge!
I gathered the needed supplies for water-bath canning and can 2 different items using the water-bath method. It's jelly-time!
I shared some of my preserved goodies with a friend and let them know the recipe I used.
Several of my friends and family are diabetics, but we love our jams and jellies. I made raspberry jelly and blackberry jelly using plums as a sweetener and no added sugar. They are both AWESOME! I need to work out the amount of Pomona Pectin to use so they're not quite so rubbery.
Sylvia is getting her jars this Friday (her husband is diabetic).
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2017 : 12:53:21 PM
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Sherrilyn Askew (Sherri, #1350) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Level The Good, Bad, and Ugly ... Bugs Merit Badge!
I identified at least 4 different beneficial bugs that live in my garden; ladybugs, dragonflys, preying matids, and ground beetles to name a few.
I identified at least 4 different harmful bugs that live in my garden; slugs, cut worms, cabbage aphids, tent caterpillars, and leaf miners (not to mention the rabbits, deer, raccoons, and rodents).
I researched different methods of organic pest control, along with different plants to grow that attract beneficial insects to your garden. I put eggshells in the strawberries and didn't find any slug trails in there this year (salt and sand work well too). I used soapy water spray, let the chickens patrol house foundation, talked sweet to the lady bugs, squirted vinegar spray, pruned, and planted marigolds, onions, garlic, and practiced companion planting.
Some things worked better than others, so I still have my work cut out for me and a lot more research to do.
On a high note, the dog is doing a good job of patrolling the four legged pests.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16267 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16267 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2017 : 1:21:24 PM
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Jennifer Chappell (AdeleHale, #6346) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning a Beginner Level My Fair Farmgirl Merit Badge!
I researched the difference between conventional products and cruelty-free organic beauty products and shared it on my personal Facebook page. I replaced my toothpaste and all of my skincare products with organic alternatives. I made scented bath salts with Epsom salts and essential oils.
I like using the organic beauty products--they have improved my skin health immensely.
For the bath salts, I combined three pounds of Epsom salts with 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 3 drops tea tree essential oil and 2 drops peppermint essential oil. The scent and the salts lasted about an hour and my fibromyalgia is better today than it was yesterday.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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Merit Badge Awardees - Woo-hoo Sisters!: Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees |
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Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees
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